Apparatus for washing railway vehicles

ABSTRACT

THE APPARATUS INCLUDES A FRAMEWORK STRADDLING A SECTION OF RAILROAD TRACK AND MOUNTING A VERTICALLY MOVABLE, GENERALLY RECTANGULAR SPRAY FRAME WHICH EXTENDS ALONG SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE EXTERIOR SIDE SURFACES OF A VEHICLE POSITIONED ON THE TRACK SECTION. THE SPRAY FRAME HAS A PLURALITY OF SPRAY NOZZLES FOR SPRAYING WASHING LIQUID ON THE VEHICLE. A CONTROL SYSTEM IS PROVIDED FOR RAISING AND LOWERING THE SPRAY FRAME RELATIVE TO THE VEHICLE AND FOR APPLYING WASHING LIQUID FROM THE SPRAY NOZZLES WHILE RAISING AND LOWERING THE SPRAY FRAME. A SCRUBBING UNIT IS MOUNTED ON A TRACK WHICH EXTENDS ALONG EACH SIDE OF THE RAILROAD TRACK AND WHICH CROSSES THE SECTION OF RAILROAD TRACK AT ONE END THEREOF. THE SCRUBBING UNIT INCLUDES A BRUSHING MECHANISM WHICH CAN BE RAISED AND LOWERED AND WHICH CAN BE EXTENDED TO A POSITION OF ENGAGEMENT WITH THE EXTERIOR SIDE SURFACES OF THE VEHICLE.

June 1, E971 w. J. SAXONMEYER 3,581,335

APPARATUS FOR WASHING RAILWAY VEHICLES Filed Oct. 1969 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 1, 197

Filed Oct. 6, 1969 W J. SAXONMEYER APPARATUS FOR WASHING RAILWAY VEHICLES 6 Sheet 5 June 1971 w. J. SAXONMEYER 3,531,335

APPARATUS FOR WASHING RAILWAY VEHICLES Filed Oct. 1969 6 Sheets-Sheet L June 1, 1971 w. J. SAXONMEYER 5 L APPARATUS FOR WASHING RAILWAY VEHICLES 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 6, 1969 June I, 1971 W. J- SAXONMEYER APPARATUS FOR WASHING RAILWAY VEHICLES Filed Oct. 1969 6 SheetsSheet 6 START s i 0 L3. 0

T R P AY OP WATER SPRAY LOOP WATER DWELL ACID START LS. ACID SOL EgP SOLUTLggPSPRAY ACID OFF L's ALKALI START DWELL FLOAT VALVE wATa I I VALVE WATER A FLOAT VALE WATE 206 WATER FL I VALVE LIG HT WATER ALKALl HEA'VY ALKALIZIVZIO United States Patent @fice Patented June I, 1971 3,581,335 APPARATUS FOR WASHING RAILWAY VEHICLES Wallace J. Saxonmeyer, Part Forest, 111., assignor to Whiting Corporation Filed Oct. 6, 1969, Ser. No. 863,902 Int. Cl. B605 3/04 US. Cl. 15-53 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The apparatus includes a framework straddling a section of railroad track and mounting a vertically movable, generally rectangular spray frame which extends along substantially all of the exterior side surfaces of a vehicle positioned on the track section. The spray frame has a plurality of spray nozzles for spraying washing liquid on the vehicle. A control system is provided for raising and lowering the spray frame relative to the vehicle and for applying washing liquid from the spray nozzles while raising and lowering the spray frame. A scrubbing unit is mounted on a track which extends along each side of the railroad track and which crosses the section of railroad track at one end thereof. The scrubbing unit includes a brushing mechanism which can be raised and lowered and which can be extended to a position of engagement with the exterior side surfaces of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus for washing railway vehicles, particularly locomotives. Since railway vehicles are large and bulky, it has normally been a tedious job which is both time consuming and labor consuming to wash a railway vehicle, particularly a locomotive. Accordingly, the present invention is concerned with a washing apparatus for washing a railway vehicle in a minimum of time with a minimum of labor.

The apparatus of the present invention includes a spraying mechanism for spraying washing liquids onto the exterior surfaces of a railway vehicle and a scrubbing unit for scrubbing the vehicle. The spraying mechanism includes a spray frame which is mounted for vertical movement on a supporting frame structure straddling a section of track on which the vehicle is positioned, and which has at least one spray loop thereon. A hoist for raising and lowering the spray frame is mounted on the supporting frame structure and a control system is provided for automatically spraying the ex terior surfaces of the vehicle with a plurality of washing liquids from the spray loop in a predetermined sequence while raising and lowering the frame. The scrubbing unit includes a carriage which is mounted on a track which extends about a major portion of the track section. A brushing mechanism is mounted on the carriage and includes a brush which can be extended from the carriage for scrubbing or brushing the exterior side surfaces of the vehicle, before, after or between applications of the washing liquids.

In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the carriage of the scrubbing unit has controls mounted thereon for raising and lowering the carriage and for extending the brush into brushing engagement with the exterior side surfaces of the vehicle. Also, at least one stationary control box is positioned adjacent the carriage track within easy access of an operator riding on the carriage of the scrubbing unit (when the carriage is in a position adjacent the control box) so that a single operator can actuate the spraying mechanism from a position on the carriage for spraying one or more washing liquids onto the exterior surfaces of the vehicle.

Also with the controls for moving the carriage and the brushing mechanism mounted on the carriage, the operator on the carriage can move the scrubbing unit substantially around the entire vehicle and extend the brushing mechanism exactly where desired for scrubbing exterior side surfaces of the vehicle.

A general object of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus for washing a railway vehicle which includes a spraying mechanism for spraying Washing liquids on exterior surfaces of the vehicle and a brushing mechanism for brushing the exterior surfaces of the vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a washing apparatus which includes a spraying mechanism and a brushing mechanism both of which can be operated by a single operator.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus for washing a railway vehicle in which a spray frame extending the length of the vehicle to be washed is positioned above the vehicle and mounted for vertical movement about said vehicle so that a washing liquid can be sprayed from the spray frame while the spray frame is being raised and lowered about the vehicle.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus for washing a railway vehicle in which a scrubbing unit is mounted for movement along a track which extends substantially around the vehicle so that the scrubbing unit can be moved substantially around the vehicle for scrubbing the exterior side surfaces of the vehicle.

These and other objects of the present invention and the manner of their attainment will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the washing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical elevational view taken along lines 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical elevational view of the scrubbing unit shown in FIG. 2, with the raised, extended position of the brushing mechanism of the scrubbing unit being shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 4 is a vertical elevational view taken along lines 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic diagram of the electrical system for the scrubbing unit;

FIG. 6 is a vertical elevational view of a side section of the spray frame taken along lines 55 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged top plan view of the wheel Washing system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a vertical elevational view of two nozzles of the wheel washing system shown in FIG. 7 taken along lines 7--7 of FIG. 6, with the adjusted position of the nozzles being shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the washing liquid delivery system associated with the spray force shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of one washing cycle of the spray frame shown in FIG. 1.

Referring noW to the drawings in greater detail, and particularly to FIG. 1, a railway vehicle washing area 10 is provided within an elongated washing stall 12 defined by end walls 13 and 14 and side walls 1'5 and 16. A section of railroad track 1 8 is situated Within the stall 12 and includes first and second rails 19 and 20. The section of track 18 extends through an entrance opening 22 in the end Wall 13 and an exit opening 24 in the end wall 14. A robot propulsion system (not shown), which does not form a part of the present invention and which may be of the type shown in United States Pats. Nos. 3,348,498 issued on Oct. 24, 1967 to V. H. Ames and E. T. Dolin and 3,402,677 issued on Sept. 24, 1968 to W. J. Saxonmeyer, is associated with the washing stall 12 and is adapted to move a railway vehicle to a washing spot position within the stall 12 on the section of track 18. The robot propulsion system includes a robot track generally indicated at 26 on which a suitable robot propulsion device travels in moving the vehicle to the washing spot position. A locomotive 28 is shown in the washing spot position in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The washing apparatus of the present invention is generally indicated at 30 in FIG. 1 and includes a spraying mechanism 32 and a scrubbing unit 34. If desired, the washing area can also include a wheel washing system 36 (FIGS. 1 and 7) and two combination water and alkali hoses 38 and 40 (FIG. 2) with trigger nozzles 42 and 44. The hoses 38 and 40 are conveniently located on the side walls and 16 respectively on the transverse center line 43 (FIG. '1) of the washing area. These hoses 38 and 40 are conveniently located on either side of the section of track 18 for cleaning the interior compartments of the locomotive 28.

As shown in FIG. 1, the scrubbing unit 34 is mounted for movement along a track means generally indicated at 46. The track means 46 includes two portions which extend, respectively, along opposite sides of the section of track 18 substantially the entire length thereof and a portion which extends across the section of track 18 adjacent the exit opening 24. With this arrangement, the track means 46 permits the scrubbing unit 34 to travel around substantially all of the exterior side surfaces 47 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the locomotive 28 for scrubbing the same. As best shown in FIG. 2, the track means 46 is defined by a monorail 50 and a guideway 51. The monorail 50 is suitably supported by a framework which is connected to the side walls 15 and 16 and which includes a plurality of supporting beams 52 and 53.

The scrubbing unit 34 includes a carriage assembly 54 which is suspended from the monorail 50. The carriage assembly 54 includes rollers 57 at the lower end thereof which are received in the guideway 51, and rollers 58 at the upper end thereof which ride on the monorail 50. As best shown in FIG. 4, the carriage assembly 54 includes two upright frame members 63 and 64 which are secured at their upper ends to a horizontally disposed frame member 65. A propulsion mechanism 70 is connected to the roller assemblies 68 for moving the carriage assembly 54 along the monorail 50.

The scrubbing unit 34 also includes a platform 71 which is movably mounted on the upright frame members 63 and 64 and which supports a brushing mechanism 72 and an operators cab 73. A winch mechanism 74 for raising and lowering the platform 71 is supported between the frame members 63 and 64 from the frame member 65 and includes two drums 76, each holding a supply of cable 78. A portion of each of the cables 78 is received around a suitable sheave assembly 80 and is secured, as indicated at 81 to the frame member 65. The sheave assemblies 80 are secured to the platform 71. In the illustrated embodiment, the propulsion mechanism 70 includes an electric motor 82. Electric current is supplied to the motor 82 from brush collectors, generally indicated at 83, which are carried by the roller assembly 68 and which contact suitable electric rails 84 which are associated with the monorail 50' and which are suspended from the supporting beams 52 and 53. Electric current is also supplied from the brush collectors 84 to an electric motor 85 of the winch mecha- 'nism 74.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the brushing mechanism includes a generally cylindrical brush 86 which is mounted on a supporting framework 87 for rotation about a vertical axis 88. The brush 86 is rotated by an electric motor 89 which is also supplied with current from the brush collectors 83. Another electric motor (shown schematically at 90 in FIG. 5) is mounted on the carriage 54 for operating a mechanism (not shown) of conventional type which extends and retracts the brush 86 on a sliding drawer type structure generally indicated at 91. In this way, the brush 86 can be extended toward and retracted from a position of brushing engagement with the exterior side surfaces of the locomotive 28. Also, the brushing mechanism 72 can be moved vertically by the winch mechanism 74 substantially the entire height of the locomotive 28 so that the brush 86 can be brought into brushing engagement with substantially all of the exterior side surfaces 47 of the locomotive 28.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a hose reel assembly 92, having a supply of hose 93, is mounted on the upstanding frame member 63 of the carriage assembly 54. One end portion 94 of the hose 93 is connected to a vertical pipe 95 secured to the supporting framework '87. The pipe 95 includes a plurality of nozzles 96 for spraying a washing liquid onto the brush 86. Preferably, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the end portion 94 has some slack so that it hangs in a loop to compensate for upward and downward movement of the brushing mechanism 72 and inward and outward movement of the brush 86. The other end portion 96 of the hose 93 extends from the hose reel assembly 92 and is trained over two swivel guide rollers 97 and 98. The roller 98 is mounted on a frame member 100 which is supported between the frame members 63 and 64 and which mounts, on the underside thereof, a double guide roller arrangement 101 through which the hose end portion 96 is trained. The hose end portion 96 includes a hose coupling 102 for connecting the hose 93 to one of two stanchion pipes 103 and 104 (FIG. 1) which are located adjacent the side walls 15 and 16 near the exit opening 24. The reel (not shown) of the hose reel assembly 92 is provided with a conventional tensioning mechanism (not shown) which maintains tension on the hose 93 to minimize slack in the portion of the hose 93 uncoiled from the reel and to hold the coupling 102 against the double guide roller arrangement 101, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 4, when the coupling 102 is not connected to one of the stanchion pipes 103 and 104.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of hose support brackets 105 are secured to and extend from the side walls 15 and 16, and are adapted to support the portion of the hose 93 which is uncoiled from the hose reel assembly 92. Thus, when the carriage assembly 54 is moved along the track means 46, the hose 93 will be uncoiled from the hose reel assembly 92 and laid upon the support brackets 105 so that entanglement of the hose 93 with the scrubbing unit 34 is thereby prevented.

The cab 73 protects an operator riding on the carriage 54 from washing liquid which may be deflected from the locomotive 28 onto the carriage assembly 54. Since it is expected that some liquid will be splashed onto the carriage 54, the cab 73 is provided with a window pane 106 on the side of the cab facing the locomotive 28 in washing position and a wiper mechanism 108 operated by a suitable electric motor (not shown) for wiping the window pane 106.

Although not shown, it will be understood, that a conventional control panel is located in the operators cab and has a plurality of switches (shown schematically in FIG. 5) for controlling operation of the various motors which are energized by three phase, 460 volt power from the electric rails 84.

Referring now to the circuit diagram in FIG. 5, the motors 82, 85, 89 and 90 are indicated schematically. The wiper motor is indicated at 114. DC power for the motor 114 is obtained from a conventional step down transformer 118 connected between two phases and a conventional power supply, generally indicated at 120. As shown, each of the motors 82, 85 and 90 has a brake associated therewith for stopping rotation of the motor 82, 85 or 90 when it is de-energized.

The left hand side of the circuit diagram includes a number of circuit elements which are mounted in a control cabinet 122 (FIGS. 3 and 4) mounted on the frame member 63. The switches shown in the circuit diagram are mounted on the control panel in the cab 73. These switches include a cab light on and off switch 124, a main control switch 125 for applying power to the other switches, switches 126 and 127 for energizing the motor 82 to move the carriage assembly 54 left or right, Switches 128 and 129 for energizing the winch motor 85 for moving the platform 71 up and down, switches 130 and 131 for actuating the motor 90 to move the brush '86 in and out, a switch 132 for energizing the brush rotation motor 89, a switch 133 for energizing a solenoid 134 of a conventional solenoid operated valve mechanism (not shown) which controls the flow of water to the nozzles 96, an on and off switch 135 for operating a fan motor 136 inside the cab 73 and a switch 137 (shown adjacent the power supply 120) for actuating the wiper motor 114.

An upper limit switch 140 and a lower limit switch 142 are connected in series with the up and down switches 128 and 129 for cutting off electric power to the winch motor 85 when the platform 71 has reached an upper limit position or lower limit position thereof. Additional limit switches 143 and 144 are connected in series with the up and down switches 128 and 129 and one of these limit switches will open when one or the other of two safety clams (not shown) connected to the platform 71 is broken.

Limit switches 146 and 147 are connected in series with the in and out switches 1 30 and 131 and are adapted to cut off power to the brush extension motor 114 when the brush is fully extended or fully retracted. The carriage 54 also has mounted thereon two rotating red lights which are indicated schematically at 149 and 150 in FIG. 5. These lights will be turned on and rotating when the control switch 125 is closed.

The spraying mechanism 32 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6. As best shown in FIG. 1, the spraying mechanism 32 includes a supporting framework defined by four, generally upright frame members indicated at 152, 153, 154 and 155. The frame members 154 and 155 are also shown in FIG. 2. A spray frame 156 (FIGS. 2 and 6) is supported for vertical movement on the upstanding frame members 152-155 and includes two end truss sections 157 and 158 and two elongated side truss sections 159 and 160.

As shown in FIG. 6, two pipelines 161 and 162 are mounted along the lower edge of truss section 159. Each of the pipelines 161 and 162 has a plurality of nozzles 163 and 164, respectively, which are directed downwardly and inwardly of the spray frame 156. These pipelines 161 and 162 form part of two spray loops which are indicated schematically at 165 and 166 in FIG. 9. As will be more fully described in connection with the description of FIG. 9, the pipeline 161 is connected to a source of an acid solution or an alkali solution and the pipeline 162 is connected to high pressure water source.

As shown in FIG. 1, the spray frame 156 includes rollers 168 and 169 mounted on the end truss sections 157 for rolling engagement with the frame members 152 and 153 respectively. Similar rollers such as the rollers 170 shown in FIG. 6, are mounted on the end truss section 158 for rolling engagement with the frame members 154 and 155.

As best shown in FIG. 1, a hoist mechanism 176 is mounted above the spray frame 156, and suitably supported on an overhead supporting framework 177. The hoist mechanism 176 includes four cables 178-181 (FIG. 1) which are trained over suitable pulleys 182 and secured to the spray frame 156 for raising and lowering the same.

As shown in FIG. 6, the pipeline 161 is connected to a folding pipeline 184 which includes two straight pipe sections 185 and 186 connected to three swivel joints 187-189. The upper swivel joint 187 is supported on the framework 177 and is connected to a pipeline 190 leading to a source of Washing liquid as will be more fully described in connection with the description of FIG. 9. The lower swivel joint is connect-ed to the pipeline 161 of spray loop 165. It will be understood that pipeline 162 is connected by a similar folding pipeline (not shown) to a pipeline (shown schematically at 192 in FIG. 6) leading to a high pressure water source as will be more fully described in connection with the description of FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the wheel washing system 36 includes two sets of nozzles 194a and 194b, each of which includes a first group 195a and 195b of solution nozzles and a second group 196a and 196!) of water rinsing nozzles. The first group 195a and 19% of the nozzles 194a and 19417 are connected by a pipeline 198 to a source of alkali solution for applying a heavy alkali solution to the wheels of the locomotive 28 and the second group 195a and 195b of the nozzles 194a and 1194b are connected by a pipeline 200 to a water source for applying a high pressure water rinse to the wheels. Two nozzles 201 and 202 in group 1961; are shown in FIG. 8. As shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 8, these nozzles 201 and 202 can be adjusted to apply washing liquid to a Wheel 203 at a desired angle and at a desired location.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the fluid delivery system for supplying various washing liquids to the two spray loops 165 and 168 on the spray frame 156 and to the wheel washing system 36. As such, the fluid delivery system includes a water source 204, a source 206 of acid solution, a source 208 of a light alkali solution and a source 210 of a heavy alkali solution. Washing liquids are delivered under pressure from these sources 205, 206, 208 and 210 by pumps 214, 216 and 218 through suitable control valves to pipelines 192 and for supplying water, acid solution and alkali solution respectively to the spray loops 165 and 166 on the spray frame 156 and for supplying water and alkali solution to pipelines 200 and 198 respectively leading to the wheel washing system 36. Also suitable valves 219 are provided for adjusting the effective length of the spray loops 165 and 166 for three different lengths of railway vehicles.

The various valves shown schematically in FIG. 9 are solenoid controlled valves of known type which are actuated by an electric current. The electrical circuit, for operating the control valves is conventional and of a type which is well known in the art. Therefore, a detailed description of the electrical circuit is omitted.

The electrical circuit for operating the fluid delivery system includes switches, relays, timers, solenoids, limit switches, indicating lights and associated circuit connections for actuating the control valves and pumps 214, 216 and 218 to apply one or more of the washing liquids from the sources 204, 106, 208 and 210 in predetermined amounts and in a predetermined sequence to the spray loop 165 or 166. Also, the electrical circuit includes control means for operating the fluid delivery system to apply one washing liquid independent of the other washing liquids.

The electrical circuit includes two sets of control switches and indicating lights for operating the fluid delivery system and for raising and lowering the spray frame 156. One set is situated in a stationary control box 221 mounted on the side wall 15 and the other set is situated in a stationary control box 222 mounted on the side wall 16. Each of the boxes 221 and 222 is located in a convenient location within easy reach or access from the cab 73 when the scrubbing unit 34 is situated adjacent one of the control boxes 221 or 222. In FIG. 1, the scrubbing unit 34 is situated adjacent the control box 221. This position of the scrubbing unit 34 and a similar position adjacent the control box 222 define two Home positions of the scrubbing unit 34. At either of the Home positions, the operator can control the raising and lowering of the spray frame 156, the application of washing liquids from the spray loops 165 and 166 and the operation of the scrubbing unit 34 from the cab 73.

In the operation of the washing apparatus 30, the spray frame 32 is first raised to its uppermost position shown in FIG. 2 and the scrubbing unit 34 is moved to one of its Home positions. Also, the operator 'will make certain the brush 86 is retracted. If scrubbing with water is contemplated, the coupling 102 will be connected to one of the pipes 103 or 104.

Next, the robot propulsion system (not shown) is operated to move the locomotive 28 into the washing spot position. It will be understood that the robot propulsion system is electrically connected through suitable control switches (not shown) which will not be closed unless the spray frame 156 is elevated to its uppermost position and the brushing mechanism 72 is retracted with the scrubbing unit 34 in a safe location on either side of the section of track 18. As the locomotive 28 is moved into the washing spot position, the first wheels (e.g., wheel 203) on the forward truck of the locomotive 28 will actuate suitable limit switches which will close a circuit to energize the pump 218 and open appropriate control valves to apply a heavy alkali solution to the wheels, first from the nozzles in group 196a, and shortly thereafter from the nozzles in group 19617. It will be understood that the wheels on the rearward truck of locomotive 28 will be washed in a similar manner when the locomotive 28 is moved from the washing spot position.

Once the locomotive 28 is in the washing spot position as shown in FIG. 1, the operator can elect to first spray the locomotive 28 with washing liquids or, in the alternative, to first brush the locomotive with the brushing mechanism 72. Preferably, the procedure for washing the locomotive 28 will be to first apply a cycle of washing liquids to the locomotive 28 and then to brush the locomotive Where necessary to remove stubborn grease and grime from the locomotive 28. One preferred washing cycle is a Water-Acid-Alkali-Water cycle. This washing cycle will now be described with reference to FIG. 10.

To initiate the Water-Acid-Alkali-Water cycle, the operator will depress a suitable push button switch on either of the control boxes 221 and 222 whereupon the hoist mechanism 176 will be energized to lower the spray frame 156 from its fully elevated position. As the spray frame 156 is lowered and reaches an elevation equal to the height of the locomotive 28 a suitable limit switch is actuated to energize the pump 214 and open suitable valves so that high pressure water is applied to the water spray loop 166 for spraying water from the nozzles 184 onto the exterior side surfaces 47 of the locomotive. It should be noted that the pump 214 (and also pumps 216 and 218) will not be energized before the spray frame 156 reaches the height of the locomotive 28 to avoid spraying water into the top blowers and intakes of the locomotive 28.

High pressure water will be emitted from the spray frame 156 while it is descending until the spray frame 156 reaches a lower position which is just above the height of the trucks of the locomotive 28. A suitable limit switch is actuated at this lower position to stop movement of the sprayframe 156, to actuate a suitable timer which holds the spray frame at the low position for a short dwell period, to stop the pump 214, to close the valves from the pump 214 to the water spray loop 166, to energize the pump 216, and to open suitable valves for the application of acid solution from the nozzles 163 of the spray loop 165. As the dwell period ends acid solution is sprayed from the solution spray loop 165 onto the exterior side surfaces 47 while the spray frame 156 moves upward. As the spray frame reaches the height of the locomotive 28, suitable switches are actuated to de-energize the pump 216 and to energize the pump 218 for supplying light alkali solution to the washing solution loop 165. As this occurs, the solution spray loop 165 is purged of acid by the light alkali solution. A timer is also actuated to hold the spray frame 156 at the height of the locomotive for a short dwell period. After the dwell pe- Cil riod ends, the spray frame 156 will again start moving downward applying the neutralizing light alkali solution over the previously applied acid solution on the exterior surfaces 47 of the locomotive 28. As the spray frame 156 approaches the lower position, suitable control switches will be actuated to purge the solution spray loop with rinse water. When the spray frame reaches the lower position, suitable switches will be actuated to energize a timer which holds the spray frame 156 in the lower position for a short dwell period. After the dwell period ends, the spray frame will move upward and water will be supplied to the water spray loop 166 for applying high pressure rinse water onto the exterior surfaces 47, as the spray frame 156 rises to the height of the locomotive 28. At this point, a suitable switch will be actuated to close the valves in the pipelines and 192 and the spray frame 156 will continue moving upward to its fully elevated starting position. It will be understood that the purging of the solution spray loop 165 with water when the spray frame is in the lower position will eliminate the dripping of alkali solution from overhead when the spray frame 156 is in its fully elevated starting position.

The control boxes 221, 222 also include control switches for stopping the washing cycle at any point in time, for moving the spray frame 156 up and down to a desired position relative to the vehicle being washed and for applying either high pressure water to the water spray loop 166, an acid solution to the solution spray loop 165, an alkali solution to the solution spray loop 165 or water to the solution spray loop 165 for purging the same. Conventional push button switches are provided for this purpose and a suitable timing and control circuit is connected with each push button switch so that when the button is released, compressed air will be applied to the spray loop 165 or 1166 for a predetermined period of time to purge the same of washing liquid after the button is released. If desired use of the brushing mechanism 72 may be interspersed between varied cycles of application of washing liquid from the washing loops 165 and 166 on the spray frame by merely stopping the washing cycles.

Preferably, brush pressure sensing switches are provided to stop all motions of brush travel if either an excess of brush pressure or an irnposisble obstruction is encountered by the brush 86.

Upon completion of washing and brushing, the operator can dismount from cab 73 and clean the interior compartments of the locomotive with one of the spray nozzles 42 or 44.

Although only one washing stall 12 is illustrated, it will be understood that a plurality of washing stalls can be provided in parallel, side-by-side relation, and the spray loops in each stall can be connected in parallel with the pumps 214, 216 and 218, such that each spray mechanism 32 can be operated alternately or simultaneously.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for washing railway vehicles comprising a framework stradling a section of railroad track, a vertically movable, generally rectangular spray frame mounted on said framework and arranged to extend along substantially all of the exterior side surfaces of a vehicle on said track section, said spray frame having a plurality of spray nozzles which are situated at horizontally spaced intervals along substantially the entire length of said spray frame, means for connecting said nozzles to a source of washing liquid, means for lowering and raising said spray frame, means for applying washing liquid to said spray nozzles during said lowering and raising movement of said spray frame, track means having portions thereof located along each side of said section of railroad track and at least one portion extending across said section of railroad track and connected with said first mentioned portions, a scrubbing unit including a carriage assembly mounted for movement along said track means, and power means for moving said scrubbing unit along said track means, said scrubbing unit including an extensibleretractable brushing mechanism mounted on said carriage assembly and means for raising and lowering said brushing mechanism, said brushing mechanism including a brush which is adapted for engagement with at least said exterior side surfaces of said vehicle.

2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 including first and second sources of washing liquid, means for connect ing some of said nozzles to said first source of washing liquid, means for connecting other of said nozzles to said second source of washing liquid and control means for applying washing liquid from said first source to the nozzles connected therewith, independently of said second source.

3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means for applying washing liquid to said brush while said brush is in brushing engagement with said exterior side surfaces of said vehicle.

4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said scrubbing unit includes means mounted on said carriage for operating said brushing mechanism to extend and retract said brush and to raise and lower said brushing mechanism and for operating said power means to move said scrubbing unit along said track means, and means on said carriage for accommodating an operator thereon for actuating said operating means.

5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 including at least one stationary control box positioned adjacent said track means within easy reach from said carriage when said carriage is positioned adjacent said control box, said control box having control means for operating said means for lowering and raising said spray frame and for applying washing liquid to said spray nozzles.

*6. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said brush is generally cylindrical and is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,865,034 12/1958 Petite 15-53 3,324,868 6/1967 Kaufman 134123 3,460,177 8/1969 Rhinehart et al. 1521E FOREIGN PATENTS 1,413,671 8/1965 France l5CCP(DIG. 2)

EDWARD L. ROBERTS, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

l5-2 l; 134l23 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION 3,5 ,335 Dated June 1, 1971 Patent No.

Inventor(s) Wallace J. Saxonmeyer It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 6, line 52, "106" should be --206--.

Column 8, line 44, ":Lmposisble should be --impossible-.

Column 10, line 5, insert --:tfor operating said means-- after "and" and before "for" Signed and sealed this L th day of January 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER, JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Acting Commissioner of. Patents Attesting Officer FORM P S- USCOMM-DC 5O375-P59 U 5 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1959 O3SG-33H 

